The Situation Room

The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis 

By George Stephanopoulos with Lisa Dickey

Published by Grand Central
Distributed by Hachette Australia
RRP $34.99 in paperback  |  ISBN 9781538770184

George Stephanopoulos is a Washington insider best known as a former senior advisor to US President Bill Clinton. Who better to write the inside story of the famous White House Situation Room?

Created under President Kennedy, the Situation Room has been the epicentre of crisis management for presidents for more than six decades.

Beginning as a concept in the Kennedy administration, the Situation Room has become the centre of American power, where decisions are made that have a far-reaching impact on global affairs and where events unfold in a dramatic fashion.

From the assassination of President Kennedy to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this book delves into the vital role of the Situation Room, including a first-ever account from the staff inside the Situation Room as the January 6th insurrection unfolded.

For readers interested in a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how critical decisions are made at times of crisis, this book offers a unique insight into the machinations of US power.

As Stephanopoulos writes, ‘the decisions presidents make in the Situation Room are by definition the hardest ones to make …’. And in doing so, they hope they will be on the right side of history.

VERDICT: A fascinating book that really delivers on its ‘behind the scenes’ promise.